Neurospine
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The artificial neural network (ANN), one of the machine learning (ML) algorithms, inspired by the human brain system, was developed by connecting layers with artificial neurons. However, due to the low computing power and insufficient learnable data, ANN has suffered from overfitting and vanishing gradient problems for training deep networks. ⋯ These potentials are recently applied to healthcare problems, including computer-aided detection/diagnosis, disease prediction, image segmentation, image generation, etc. In this review article, we will explain the history, development, and applications in medical imaging.
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Theoretically, the optimal approach is determined by the status of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and sagittal alignment. However, there have long been disputes about the optimum surgical approach of OPLL. This study is to compare risk-effectiveness between anterior decompression and fusion (ADF) and laminoplasty and laminectomy with fusion (LP/LF) for the patient with cervical myelopathy due to multilevel cervical OPLL. ⋯ Anterior surgery often led to rare but critical complications, and the difference of neurological improvement between 2 groups was below a clinically meaningful level. Posterior surgeries may be appropriate in the treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy with OPLL.
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Anterior cervical plating in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures are associated with improved outcomes compared to stand-alone cages. However, concerns exist regarding increased rates of postoperative dysphagia following an ACDF. This study aims to quantify the effect of anterior plating on swallowing-quality of life (SWAL-QOL) scores and radiographic swelling assessments following a primary, single-level ACDF. ⋯ The results demonstrate that patients undergoing a primary, single-level ACDF with or without anterior plating experience similar operative times and lengths of stay. Patients that receive a cage with anterior plating did not experience significant increases in dysphagia as measured by the SWAL-QOL questionnaire compared to patients that received a stand-alone cage. Furthermore, radiographic assessments of swelling are comparable.
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Percutaneous cervical nucleoplasty (PCN) is used to treat cervical disc herniation. Radiological imaging studies, including plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been used to make early predictions of cervical spinal surgery outcomes. However, simple radiological studies do not provide sufficiently detailed information; moreover, CT and MRI are highly expensive. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the usefulness of digital infrared thermography imaging (DITI) as an outcome marker after cervical nucleoplasty by correlating the changes in thermal difference (ΔTD) with the changes in pain intensity after PCN expressed as visual analogue scale (ΔVAS) scores. ⋯ In DITI, which was used to evaluate the outcomes after cervical nucleoplasty, the ΔTD did not seem to reflect the ΔVAS after PCN. However, preoperative DITI findings could be useful for predicting VAS reduction and clinical improvements after PCN.
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The sharing of international academic accomplishment and friendship is important; furthermore, to better understand and anticipate the future, we should look back and remember where we started. Regarding ASIA SPINE, the authors aimed to record how the pioneers of Asian spinal surgery started this spine meeting series more than 20 years ago and that later developed into the present state of the conference. The authors will also explore the possible future of this conference. ⋯ Remembering the pioneers in the field of spinal surgery is invaluable and extremely important. The authors hope that interest in ASIA SPINE will further expand to other nations in Asia who have advanced philosophies and refined technologies. We wish ASIA SPINE continued success and the ability to promote prolonged international friendship among the Asian countries .